What vital signs are indicative of internal bleeding?

Tachycardia and hypotension are critical vital signs that indicate internal bleeding. When there is significant blood loss, the body often compensates by increasing the heart rate (tachycardia) in an attempt to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs. Simultaneously, as blood volume decreases due to internal bleeding, blood pressure can drop (hypotension). This combination of increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure is a classic sign of potential hemorrhagic shock, which can occur as a result of internal bleeding.

In contrast, the other choices do not reliably indicate internal bleeding. Low blood sugar and elevated temperature might relate to other conditions like infection or metabolic issues. A weak pulse coupled with elevated blood pressure is contradictory, as significant blood loss typically leads to reduced blood pressure rather than elevated. Rapid breathing and cool skin can occur with shock, but they are not as specific as the combination of tachycardia and hypotension for identifying the urgent issue of internal bleeding.